I had a decompression Lumbar Spine (L3/4 L4/5 and L5/S1) with an open Discectomy (L5/S1) following an accident back in 1975, followed by a bone mass fusion (No screws or other metalwoork) at L5 S1 in 1984. Such things had an awful lot longer recovery times back then because there was no such thing as microdiscectomy. But, I'm still touching wood when I say that I see myself as a real success story.

I'm still running at 58 and intend to go on doing so too. In my experience, I have very tight hamstrings, glutes and have ongoing Piriformis Syndrome on the opposite side to that which was worst affected by my accident. Stretching is frustrating, but necessary and can be done whilst paying attention to the limitations of the fusion ie. limited flexibility. No Physiotherapist has ever told me not to run, but to do so with care and take heed of any noticeable symptoms. I was, however, advised to give up speed skating, and I have never been skiing since.

I well remember the cross country running shoes that I used before my accident (Lawrence Ripple Soles for those who remember them) and the nature of modern running footwear. In fact I have recently had a "Eureka" moment on that subject because I have noticed an ongoing tendency toward heels striking and the associated jarring to my back. So, I've ordered a pair of Newton Sir Isaac's and I'm hoping to modify my form to get back to mid-foot striking.

Water Vole is quite right. I've been suffering from ME/CFSfor nearly seven years now, but I'm just working my way out of it. I'm afraid I don't think your own suggestion is the answer, but getting regular (Measured) exercise DEFINITELTY IS.

I agree that you should get outside in the elements and daylight. I spent a whole winter doing that just walking until I was doing about six miles per day, most days. Then I started to run walk al ittle and built that up, but VERY SLOWLY, and making sure that I didn't go overdrawn on the energy account!!! Then I started to go to the gym under supervison and felt quite pathetic doing the basic stuff that I did, but I DID AS I WAS TOLD. (Previously, one of the consultants that I had been seeing described me as having been a "pocket rocket" and that I had to forget all of what I use to do and go back to the very basics).

So far, so good, it's working. I do however still suffer from muscle pain (fibromyalgia), which comes and goes quite spontaneously, and has me laid low when it's bad. I still have trouble concentrating too, I wish I could read more than a couple of pages before the "fog" comes back because again, I used to be quick thinking and incisive. But, I'm making progress and I'm determined that I'm not going to have this curse anymore (I've go lots of thing to do that I need to be fit and healthy for).

I wish you lots of luck and I hope that you make some progress soon, but I really think that would be better achieved out of doors or at a gym.

You could try a google search for a B&B called "Coig na shee" at Newtonmore, it's no ordinary B&B though. It's the place that the cast of Monarch of the Glen used whilst filming. We've stayed there when travelling south and would certainly recommend it. (And the resaurants in Newtonmore itself are good too)